After a disappointing season in IPL-2024, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are poised to reclaim their competitive edge in the upcoming 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). With strategic moves made during the mega auction, RCB has retained its core and brought in a slew of game-changing talents, setting the stage for a thrilling season.
RCB went into the mega auction with ₹55 crore, successfully retaining Virat Kohli and other key players while also acquiring promising new talent. Their strongest XI for IPL-2025 looks formidable and comprises the following players:
Virat Kohli (Opening Batter):
While RCB hasn’t officially announced their captain for IPL-2025, Virat Kohli remains the top candidate. Retained for ₹21 crore, Kohli is expected to open the batting and anchor the innings with his wealth of experience.
Phil Salt (Wicket-Keeper Batter, Overseas):
RCB made a significant investment in British wicket-keeper batter Phil Salt, purchasing him for ₹11.50 crore. He will partner Kohli at the top, offering explosive batting potential.
Rajat Patidar (Middle-Order Batter):
Retained for ₹11 crore, Rajat Patidar is anticipated to bat at number three, bringing a solid batting technique and vital middle-order stability to RCB’s lineup.
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Jacob Bethell (All-Rounder, Overseas):
The rising English star was picked up for ₹2.60 crore and is expected to slot in at number four, contributing both with bat and occasional spin bowling.
Liam Livingstone (All-Rounder, Overseas):
Acquired for ₹8.75 crore, Livingstone brings firepower and all-round capability, likely taking the number five position in the batting order.
Jitesh Sharma (Wicket-Keeper, Batsman):
Another critical acquisition, Jitesh Sharma, was brought in for ₹11 crore, expected to arrive at number six and add depth to the batting lineup.
Krunal Pandya (All-Rounder):
Picked up for ₹5.75 crore, Krunal is set to bat at number seven, enhancing RCB’s spin options as well as providing solid lower-order batting.
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Rasikh Salam (Bowler):
Bought for ₹6 crore, Salam is anticipated to be a key part of the pace attack, adding youthful energy to the squad.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Bowler):
Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar joins RCB for ₹10.75 crore, bringing a wealth of experience and skill to the bowling unit.
Josh Hazlewood (Bowler, Overseas):
Acquired for ₹12.50 crore, Hazlewood is expected to lead the pace attack and be crucial in powerplay and death overs.
Yash Dayal (All-Rounder):
Retained for ₹5 crore, Dayal adds depth to the bowling department and will likely be instrumental in the middle overs.
Impact Player:Â
Tim David (All-Rounder, Overseas) was acquired for ₹3 crore and is expected to serve as RCB’s Impact Player, providing explosive finishing power and more bowling options.
RCB’s Strongest XI For IPL 2025:
Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Salam, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal